How to Create a Timeless Look with Beautiful Holiday Decor
Faith Led Interior Design Show | Episode 30
Does it drive you crazy, as it does me that Christmas decorations go up in stores before Halloween? It seems that it is getting earlier and earlier each year. Now that it is Halloween, let’s look at how to create a timeless look with beautiful holiday decor.
Decorating can be overdone and distract from the ambiance of the room (but really, that is rare). In this episode, I share my top 5 tips for curating a collection of holiday art and décor that will stand the test of time and add that festive feel to your home for years to come.
I love the decorations and lights of the holidays and if this is something that you love too, this episode is for you.
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Be Blessed Verse
Our verse for the week is Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Passion Translation)
Trust in the Lord completely (with all your heart), and do not rely on your own understanding or opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.
In my opinion, there are very few times when holiday decor is offensive (too much). On the contrary, I think it is sad when there just is not enough. In fact, I miss the decorations in city store windows - New York used to have the best!
Of course, decorating can be overdone and distract from the ambiance of the room (but really, that is rare). I love getting into the spirit and decorating for the holidays! My daughter and I actually did her decorating before Thanksgiving this year because she wanted to have longer to enjoy the twinkling lights and sparkling decorations. That was a first, but fun!
I prefer white lights and I use tons of them. I always add an extra few hundred and stick them inside the tree all the way to the trunk. It’s beautiful!
I love changing up the theme each year on my Christmas tree. I have some base ornaments that I can mix and match, but I vary the accessories each holiday season. One year I used birds and feathers. Another year I chose white and gold with Angels.
I try to use nice quality, festive pieces and have the surrounding decor be cohesive with the tree theme. I personally prioritize elegance and beauty, but others may like the casual woodsy feel or artsy vibe more commonly found in Bohemian decor. Others still may have a beach-themed Christmas tree.
The possibilities are endless, so think of a theme you love and bring it to life on your Christmas tree and in your surrounding decor. No matter the look, however, I encourage you to opt for gorgeous, classic, and high-quality décor that can be enjoyed year after year.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
5 Tips on How to Create a Timeless Look with Beautiful Holiday Decor
1. Pick a Palette
Once you have selected your theme (let's say it is a Good Old Fashioned Traditional Christmas, or maybe The Twelve Days of Christmas), then pick a color palette.
Silver and gold with pops of color are always breathtaking. Neutrals create a nature-infused woodland vibe. Blue and white are elegant and classic. You really can’t go wrong if you choose a palette and commit to it throughout your home.
2. Mix Up the Materials
Opt for a blend of wood, metal, glass, durable fabrics, etc. Intersperse these materials to add variety to your theme in each room of the home. Use high-quality items as much as possible.
Photo by Jordan Arnold on Unsplash
3. Savor the Sensory Experience
I always strive to incorporate something for all 5 senses into each holiday display.
Sight: Opt for décor that is interesting, beautiful, and intriguing. Looking to add interest? It is always a great idea to reflect those beautiful twinkling lights and decorations with a carefully placed mirror. It not only doubles your holiday pleasure but can also make the room feel larger.
Sounds: No good holiday display is complete without music to delight the soul and a crackling fireplace to set the tone of the season.
Smells: Nothing beats the aromas of home cooking, but since you can’t be baking all the time, the scent of your favorite candle is always nice, too…pine, mistletoe, cranberry, and cinnamon provide festive holiday notes this time of year.
Taste: Candy canes and Christmas cookies are seasonal constants in our home. Yum yum!
Touch: I am so tactile. I just have to touch things to see if they feel like they look…and the holidays are no exception. Is that fabric as soft as it looks? Is that ribbon rough or smooth to the touch? Is that glass etched?
And in addition to the wonderful sensory experiences of the holidays, I adore that many of my personal ornaments have stories from the past. Every time I pull one out of storage, it evokes happy thoughts. The holidays make me feel…and I love that!
Photo by Michele Purin on Unsplash
4. Invest in a Look that will Last
My initial investments were in white ball ornaments, clear ball ornaments, white lights, crystal icicles, and pretty, elegant neutrals.
Over the years, I’ve added silvers and gold to my base collection, offering me lots of options when each year, I go to vary the color scheme and holiday theme of my tree.
We have a Christmas Store here in Orange County, Shinoda's, that has everything you need and more. I love to go there for Christmas decorations at least once a year. I try to add 1-5 items to my collection each season - sometimes more, sometimes less. But purchasing in small quantities allows me to invest wisely and only purchase high-quality décor that will last.
Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash
5. Respect the Rule of 3
If you have specific areas of your home that you are highlighting with decorations, remember the rule of 3’s (or really any odd number) looks best in a grouping.
Vary your materials, sizes, and shapes for interest. Most of all, have a blast doing it. Oh, and don't forget to style forgotten spaces like bookcases and kitchen countertops.
It is always fun to decorate together if your family and friends are up for it. We make cookies with my daughter, granddaughter, sisters, and friends. We play games and music and reminisce. I cherish the holidays with my loved ones!
If you have questions about whether you are on the right track with your decorating, ask us below in the comments! And remember, if you need help in the process, I am only a phone call or message away.
Be safe & healthy, and have safe travels this holiday season!
Photo by John Matychuk on Unsplash
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In the coming weeks, I'll be talking about more holiday stuff.
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Blessings and See you next episode…
